112 Dead in China Fire

Chinese officials and reports say the death toll from a fire at a poultry plant in northeastern China has reached at least 112.

Firefighters in Jilin province told the official Xinhua news agency that the fire broke out at around 6 am Monday at a slaughterhouse in Mishazi Township of Dehui City and took about six hours to bring under control. At least 54 people were hospitalized with injuries.

Xinhua said more than 300 workers were in the plant when the blaze broke out. About 100 workers managed to escape from the buildings, although the gates were locked when the fire occurred.

The exact number of those trapped in the plant has not yet been confirmed and the death toll could rise further.